subject: Wifi Hotspot Security: How Important Is It? [print this page] The biggest reason most people ignore Wi-Fi hotspot security issues are because they believe it doesn't apply to them. The average person finds it hard to believe they are vulnerable to information theft because they do not believe they are engaging in high-risk behavior. The opposite is true. The average person has a lot to lose if they become compromised at a public Wi-Fi hotspot and should take simple security steps, such as using a VPN.
It Only Takes One Hacked Account to Waste Months of Recovery Time
A single lost e-mail or hacked social media account can cost the average person months of recovery time. This is a lot compared to the perceived inconvenience of using a VPN to connect to the internet. Once an e-mail is intercepted or social media account is compromised a snowball effect begins. Few people actually use multiple usernames and passwords across the various online sites they log into. A single hacked account can quickly turn into 10 or 20 website profiles being compromised. In the worst-case scenario, this could mean compromised online banking information or identity theft.
An Empty Building Isnt an Empty Network
A common mistake people make is assuming that because they are the only one in the building, they are also the only one on the network. A majority of data snoopers and identity thieves never enter the building. Instead they will sit in the parking lot or building nearby. This is especially important to keep in mind when accessing a Wi-Fi hotspot in larger places such as libraries and hotels. The people who are eavesdropping are looking for easy targets. Creating a secure VPN connection encrypts all of the data being transferred between the VPN server and the mobile device. Upon spotting encrypted data, most data snoopers will move on to an easier target.
Why Tempt Fate?
One question no one seems to be asking is, Why tempt fate? Instead of asking whether or not adding additional layers of security is necessary, think about what is stopping you. Finding a quality VPN service can be accomplished in very little time. Signing up for a VPN service takes only a few minutes. Configuring the VPN connection requires no more than five minutes. Combined this is a very small investment to ensure online safety.
Simple Security Practices Go a Long Way
The best part about implementing simple security practices is that they go a long way in providing protection. Since a majority of the threats are looking for easy targets, the only thing a user needs to do is appear protected. While a VPN provides actual protection in several different ways, it also provides the immediate appearance of protection which is just as beneficial.
For people who don't want to manage multiple security applications across various mobile devices a VPN is the ideal solution. Users can sign up for a single account and gain access to a VPN service from any device which connects to the web. Since it takes only a few minutes to get the VPN protocol set up, every device can be protected in the same amount of time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.
